Atlanta Falcons Offseason

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Free Agency



Signings

The biggest impact signing in free agency was the signing of defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. This will prove to be a huge addition to the DT position for the Falcons who had a weak interior line before the signing with the likes of aging veteran Paul Solia and young and promising Rashede Hageman. Jeremy Lane was signed to appear opposite of tried and true Desmond Trufant at CB. Lane had 4 interceptions last year and the falcons hope the young corner can become the ball hawking cornerback they need. Rounding at the splashes made in free agency for the Falcons would be Glen Foster. The hope around the Falcon's camp is that Foster will help improve the lousy pass rush from the year before.

The rest of the free agent signings for the Falcons were mainly depth signings replacing players who had left the team. The most notable player to leave the Falcons during free agency was MLB Paul Worrilow. RT Ryan Schraeder and DE Adrian Clayborn were the notable in-house re-signings for the Falcons

Free Agent Signings

DT Terrance Knighton
CB Jeremy Lane
DE Glen Foster
RG Jeff Allen
C Lyle Sendlein
LT Bryce Harris
RT Andrew Mcdonald
FS Isa Abdul-Quddus

 

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Draft

The Falcons held the number 6 pick in the draft and were believed to have been targeting FS Eric Hairston. With Hairston off the board by the 5th pick, the Falcons were sent scrambling. Although the Falcons had considered taking FS Kaiwi Riley because of their huge need at Safety, they decided to take MLB Lamarcus McBride from the University of Georgia. The speedy MLB feels a huge need for the Falcons at MLB since they lost Paul Worrilow to Free Agency. The War Room was ecstatic when FS Kaiwi Riley fell to them at their 2nd pick in the draft. He is the pure playmaker that will thrive in Dan Quinn's 4-3 attacking defense. Another absolute steal fell to the Falcons at their third pick with the selection of zone blocking Center Drew Bell. The Falcons have been searching for a center for the last 2 years and they have found their man with Bell. The 4th round brought RT Serderius Tarpley to the Falcons. Tarpley should be able to learn plenty behind the durable Schraeder. HB Shawn Gooden and LOLB Dalen Alden round out the draft class for the Falcons.

According to the preseason depth chart, the first three picks of the draft have ended up starters for the Falcons. More info to come when the Falcon's season preview is posted soon.